SMSSS News

“Empower a woman, empower a community”

International Women's Day Celebration and Decennial celebration of Holaluru Streebandhu Federation was organized on 19 March, 2025 at Shri Mylareshwara Datta Blalshrama, Holaluru and rally was conducted. The president of the federation Ms Meghana presided over the programme. Ms Bhagya Prakash president of Suguru Grama Panchayat inaugurated the programme. Ms Ramya Madhu Gowda, President of Holaluru Grama Panchayat and Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza, Director of the Shimoga Multipurpose Social Service Society Shimoga, were the Guests of Honour. Mr M Krishna, Labour Inspector and Ms Neelashri Advocate, Sakhi One Stop Centre Women and Child Development Department Shimoga were the resource person for the day.

Rev. Fr Pius D’Souza, Director of SMSSS in his keynote address explained the history and purpose of International Women’s Day and briefed on the theme of year “For ALL women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” In the years to come women should be agents of bringing changes in the community that Men celebrate Women’s Day and Women celebrate Men Day.

Mr M Krishna, Labour Inspector, elaborated about the schemes available in the Labour Department. The eligibility criteria and the documents to be attested to avail Labour Card was explained.

Ms Neelashri Advocate, Sakhi One Stop Centre Women and Child Development Department Shimoga, addressed the gathering on the atrocities and violence on women and children within the family as well as in the society is being an issue, which need to be tackled. Children need to be cared for and protected from all the harm being done to them. Availing immediate legal services enable to overcome issue in a effective way.

Ms Rudramma, worked as a Midwife in the surrounding villages of Holaluru Grama Panchayat more than 40 years. She is a trained health professional who assisted women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. She has given life to number of mothers and children. Her service was appreciated, recognized and was honoured during the programme.

Baby Shower ceremony for Ms Sneha, a member of the federation, was organized during the programme to bless the mother-to-be with joys and blessings and welcome the unborn baby to the family by filling the lap with abundance.

All the Presidents who had served the federation in the period of ten years were acknowledged and as a token of appreciation they were honoured and were presented with memento. At the conclusion of the programme food was served for all.

This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind.